How to Leverage Snapchat’s New ‘Snap Maps’ in Real Estate

By Patty McNease, Director of Marketing for Homes.com

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Real estate is an image-based business. Agents use photos and videos to both visually and emotionally connect with prospects. While many agents use social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, others are turning to different platforms to reach younger buyers. With 100 million daily users, Snapchat can be a great way to connect with this younger generation.

Last week, Snapchat introduced Snap Maps, a new feature that leverages users’ location services. While Snapchat was relevant to real estate agents from the beginning, the update opens many new possibilities for connecting with clients and prospects.

What Is Snap Maps?
Snap Maps can be accessed by pinching your screen in the Snapchat app. By using your phone’s location services, the new feature displays your customized Bitmoji icon to show your location in real time. As you travel, your icon moves to each new destination. Snap Maps also compiles your stories in the maps feature, so users can see your snaps from the past 24 hours. If they’re your friend, the stories will appear under your username. All other users will see the stories from the location where you uploaded the snap, without knowing it’s from you.

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Since this new update displays your location down to the street, it’s important to keep safety in mind. If you’re wary about letting your Snapchat friends know where you live, turn on “Ghost Mode” (privacy mode) when you leave the office or after your last showing. This option can be accessed through settings once you’re in the Snapchat app. Keep in mind that this mode will remain on until you manually turn it off.

Applications for Real Estate

Show off your location: When you receive a new listing, let your clients know by sending them a text or email, or by posting about it on your other social pages directing them to watch you on Snapchat. Since your location is displayed, viewers will know where the property is. Take pictures and videos, and post them to your public feed— “Our Story.” Remember, for those users who aren’t friends with you, these snaps will appear by location, but will not display any of your information. If you’d like to connect with them, make your last snap your contact information. You can even create your own business geofilter to keep your branding consistent.

Another way to leverage your location is by sending periodic snaps during open houses. Advertise these events on your social media pages and invite users to watch the event on Snapchat. This way, even clients who can’t attend in person will be able to see what the property has to offer. This technique gives a unique, behind-the-scenes approach, so viewers can get another perspective of the property.

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Show some local love: To share your unique perspective with everyone on Snapchat, upload snaps to Our Story to show off your local area. When users share snaps on Our Story, they’re visible to everyone using Snapchat and are, again, sorted by location. So, if you’re attending a show, eating at your favorite restaurant, or visiting a museum, show some local love. Users considering moving to your area will be able to see the snaps and learn about everything your town has to offer. However, keep in mind that those who aren’t friends with you on Snapchat will not be able to see your contact information. Use location-based geofilters to narrow down your area, and add text to help them find you.

Snapchat has a lot to offer when it comes to making connections. Since it doesn’t focus on your number of likes or followers, you can just focus on the pictures and videos you’re sending. Think of Snapchat like texting, only more visually appealing. Share your username on your website or include it in the signature of your emails so prospects can find you through the app.

If you’re looking for more ways to get in front of homebuyers and sellers who are ready to transact, Homes.com Local Connect Ads instantly bring you property inquiries from active buyers and sellers when they are ready to engage with you. Local Connect positions you prominently in front of transaction-ready consumers in your target zip code, while showcasing your photo or logo, phone number, and endorsements.